Masters in Environmental Studies 

The Masters in Environmental Studies (M. Envs.) program is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of impactful environmental stewards and professionals.

This interdisciplinary, skill-based degree program emphasizes the critical links between natural sciences and public policy. The M.Envs. is specifically designed to provide students with professional training to prepare them for careers involving leadership in environmental science and policy. The culminating experience in this program is an internship with an outside entity (government agency, corporation, NGO, etc.) or independent study with a faculty member that applies the skills you have learned in the program.

Financial Support

Limited funds are available to highly qualified applicants to the M. Envs. in Environmental Studies program for teaching assistantships. The availability of these funds is not often known prior to the application deadlines.

We are now part of the 'Graduate Enrollment Innovation Program', which provides tuition for out-of-state/international students at a rate that is only slightly higher than in-state rates. Choose "Master - Humanities and Sciences" in VCU's tuition calculator. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, you will demonstrate proficiency in:

• Multidisciplinary content: Graduates will acquire foundational knowledge from a broad range of disciplines that are directly relevant to environmental science and policy.
• Environmental data and technology: Graduates will master cutting-edge skills in data collection, management and analysis. Special emphasis is placed on geographic information systems (GIS) and the R programming language.
• Application and communication: Graduates will develop a novel application to showcase their newly acquired knowledge and skills. Relevant examples may include a thesis project and publication (for M.S. degree).

Application Overview

Application Deadline

Applications to the Masters in Environmental Studies program are accepted any time, with the following recommended submission deadlines:

• January 15 (preferred): Fall entry, and full consideration of graduate stipend and scholarship support.
• September 15: Spring program entry. Fewer students enter our program in the spring.

Admission Details

If you are interested in submitting an application, you can find our application by searching for "Master's Degree" and "College of Humanities and Sciences" as the School/Academic Department. You should see M.Env in Environmental Studies as a degree program. 

Applicants must meet all requirements listed by the VCU Graduate School and College of Humanities and Sciences, in addition to those listed below.

You must have:

• Undergraduate coursework in introductory biology and chemistry. It is preferred that applicants have coursework in ecology, environmental policy and introductory statistics.
• Three letters of recommendation pertaining to your potential ability as a graduate student in environmental studies
• A statement of purpose essay (see specific guidelines below)
• A 1-3 page resume
• Transcripts of all previous college work

Admission to the Masters in Environmental Studies program is based on undergraduate performance and letters of recommendation. Applicants typically have a 3.0 GPA or greater on undergraduate work.